Patient Guide
Lung Cancer Surgery
A patient-friendly guide to lung cancer surgery: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, minimally invasive & robotic approaches, recovery timeline, and FAQs.
Designed for
Patients & families
Format
Cards, steps, visuals
Next step
Consult & plan
Quick overview
Explore key points, visuals and next steps — designed to be easy to read on mobile.
- • Clear sections & cards
- • Simple visuals & timelines
- • Helpful FAQs & contact
Understand
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells grow and form a mass (tumor). Surgery may be recommended when the tumor can be removed safely and the remaining lung can work well.
Common symptoms
- Persistent cough
- Blood in sputum
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain / weight loss
When to seek help
If symptoms last more than 2–3 weeks, or you have high-risk factors (smoking history, age, family history), consult early.
Simple visual
How we think about surgery
Confirm
CT / PET-CT + biopsy
Assess fitness
Breathing tests + heart evaluation
Remove tumor
With lymph node check
Recover
Pain control + breathing exercises
Diagnosis
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Most patients move through these steps. Your doctor may adjust them based on your situation.
Step 1
Symptoms & exam
History, exam, baseline blood tests.
Step 2
Imaging
CT chest, sometimes PET-CT.
Step 3
Biopsy
Confirms cancer type.
Step 4
Fitness + planning
Breathing tests, heart review, tumour board.
Treatment
Treatment options
Treatment depends on stage, tumor location, and your overall health.
Surgery
Common procedures include segmentectomy, lobectomy, and (rarely) pneumonectomy.
- Tumor removal
- Lymph node assessment
- Best for resectable disease
Minimally invasive (VATS)
Small cuts, camera-guided surgery. Many patients experience less pain and faster mobility.
Typical comfort advantage (illustrative)
Robotic
Enhanced precision and reach in selected cases, especially when fine dissection is needed.
- 3D view & fine movements
- May help complex anatomy
- Faster recovery in many
Need a clear plan?
Bring your scan reports and biopsy result. We will explain your stage and options in simple terms.
Recovery
What recovery usually looks like
Every patient is different — this is a simple timeline to set expectations.
Day 0–2
ICU/ward monitoring
Pain control, breathing exercises, early walking.
Day 3–5
Chest tube removal (if suitable)
Increasing activity, diet progression.
Week 2–4
Back to routine
Walking, light work, breathing capacity improves.
Week 4–8
Follow-up & next therapy
Final pathology review; chemo/radiation decision if needed.
FAQs
Common questions
Will I be able to breathe normally after surgery?
Most patients adapt well. Breathing tests help us plan the safest amount of lung to remove.
Is robotic surgery always better?
Not for every case. The best approach depends on tumor size, location, stage, and your fitness.
How long will I stay in hospital?
Many patients go home in a few days, depending on the procedure and recovery.
Do I need chemotherapy after surgery?
Sometimes. It depends on final pathology and stage. We explain this after the report.
Next step
Need help deciding?
Share your reports and scans. We’ll explain options in simple terms and plan safely.